Marek’s vaccine in chicks over one day?

[Nicky S]

I was about to order Marek’s vaccine for my new chicks (first hatched today) but on the website it says it is only for day old chicks. Does this mean I shouldn’t give it to ones who are a few days old? Why is this? And if so is there anything I can do? Chick is with mamma, and everyone in the current flock came vaccinated.

 

[Wyorp Rock]

Chicks would need to be quarantined/isolated from flocks/other chickens for 2 weeks if vaccinated so they can build a bit of resistance.
If they are with a broody, they are already exposed any and everything.

Personally, I wouldn't worry about vaccinating chicks that I hatched from my own flock, but everyone has a different opinion.

 

[artsyrobin]

Unless you have a positive flock, I wouldn't vaccinate. I do have a mareks flock, I vaccinate any incoming regardless of age.
There is anecdotal evidence that vaccines slow/stops tumor growth, and in some cases the tumors recede. My oldest mareks bird is 15.

 

[Nicky S]

Chicks would need to be quarantined/isolated from flocks/other chickens for 2 weeks if vaccinated so they can build a bit of resistance.
If they are with a broody, they are already exposed any and everything.

Personally, I wouldn't worry about vaccinating chicks that I hatched from my own flock, but everyone has a different opinion.

Thanks - that probably wouldn’t work then! I’m in a suburban area, only 6 chickens in my original flock. They do free range so I’m assuming they could get exposed via wild birds? But it feels like we’re not high risk.

 

[Nicky S]

Unless you have a positive flock, I wouldn't vaccinate. I do have a mareks flock, I vaccinate any incoming regardless of age.
There is anecdotal evidence that vaccines slow/stops tumor growth, and in some cases the tumors recede. My oldest mareks bird is 15.

Ok thank you. My first 6 were from a hatchery and I requested them to be vaccinated, but should I test them or something? Though I guess baby has already been exposed to anything at this point. Fascinating about the tumors - and 15!!! Wow!! That’s really amazing.

 

[artsyrobin]

Ok thank you. My first 6 were from a hatchery and I requested them to be vaccinated, but should I test them or something? Though I guess baby has already been exposed to anything at this point. Fascinating about the tumors - and 15!!! Wow!! That’s really amazing.

you can send a test here-
https://www.vetdna.com/test-type/avian-bird

 

[Nicky S]

Oh thank you! That’s good to know!